According to a research project QBE conducted in April this year, half of UK-based senior decision makers have received no formal mental health training. However, on average, a person suffering from work-related stress takes a staggering extra 23 days leave pro rata[1], so isn’t it about time we started paying attention to mental health in the workplace?
We understand that it’s a sensitive topic, but refusal to address mental health in the workplace poses a few daunting risks we’re sure you’ll want to avoid:
While one in five of the senior leaders we surveyed said they would not want to hire someone with a declared mental illness, those living with mental health problems contribute £226bn to the economy each year, accounting for 12.1% of the UK’s total GDP[6]. It’s not about dismissing those who are going through a rough patch, but creating an effective nurturing environment to support the wellbeing of your employees. Here are three easy steps to incorporate into your workplace mental health strategy:
Consider the following proactive and practical tips to create an environment less prone to mental health problems:
Be aware of the warning signs of an employee struggling to cope and ensure line managers are also alert to these. Indicators can include:
Once an issue has been identified, it is important to;
A key point for employers to consider is the length of time that employees could find themselves away from work while they recover from mental health episodes. Workplace rehabilitation always benefits with early intervention, and mental health need not be treated any differently. It is therefore worth considering what kind of rehabilitation support is part of your Employers’ Liability cover and how it might address the needs of your workforce.
Our award-winning Rehabilitation team helps companies look after their injured people and keep their claims down. As well as offering guidance around risks relating to mental health and how to promote employee wellbeing, we offer rehabilitation support for any employees involved in an incident at work. The injury assessment and self-management advice provided in the first 30 days is completely free and does not appear on a customer’s claims history.
[1] Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
[2] Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
[3] Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
[6] Added Value: Mental Health as a Workplace Asset 2016 Unum
QBE Under Pressure: Mental Health and the Workplace